Page 27 - Priorities #20 2002-October

Groundbreaking Celebration!
Champagne, white linen and student Michael Yost standing in as a tuxedo-clad waiter set the tone for the official groundbreaking for the Maas Family Commons on September 10. The event was in the tradition of Suzanne Eyre, an early and lifelong friend of the Priory who threw just such a party on the hill to solicit help in creating beautiful and lasting landscaping.
Al Maas was—in addition to being a key contributor—one of the people who introduced the vision of additional on-campus housing now, because of the advantage it brings in hiring and retaining the best faculty, staff, and administrators. Trustee Art Schultz, and developers Al Ebneter and Tom Dempsey also played key roles in funding and design.
A final celebration was held at the Family Picnic on September 22, with a poster story of "House On The Hill: The Story of the Maas Family Commons " and presentation of the St. Benedict Medal to the Maases. Photos are online at www.woodsidepriory.com/campaign.
Click on Housing.
Current and past trustees on hand to raise a glass include Pat Adams, who was the first official contributor to the Campaign.
More than three years of vision, planning and perseverance on the part of the school administration, board of trustees and Al Maas were behind the first shovels lifted at the groundbreaking.
The Maases and monks take their turn.
Students, faculty and staff gathered at the building site to see Father Martin bless the land on the morning of September 9